Enhancing Disaster Preparedness through Participatory Activities in a School in Malaysia

Abstract

Children are particularly vulnerable to the effects of natural disasters. The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of flood slide presentation and a child-friendly participatory approach using the HVCA (Hazard, Vulnerability and Capacity) Assessment adapted from Plan International Child-Centred Disaster Risk Reduction on students’ preparedness for flood. This study used instruction on flood knowledge and preparedness coupled with participatory teaching sessions on DRR. Qualitative information was gathered using classroom observations and interviews. The findings indicated that school curriculum did not cover disaster awareness and these students in this study felt more prepared for flood after an intervention that consisted of flood knowledge and preparedness slide presentation and HVCA participatory sessions.